Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure is directed to methods and systems for topology configuration of an array of packet processing elements via a topology configuration packet. Each processing element may include input packet busses from a first plurality of neighboring processing elements and output packet busses to a second plurality of neighboring processing elements. Each processing element may receive the configuration packet from one of the first plurality of neighboring elements, set its own topology configuration register according to predetermined values within the packet, and forward the packet out all of its outputs, in the same manner as a standard packet.

Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure is directed to methods and systems for topology configuration of an array of packet processing elements via a topology configuration packet. Each processing element may include input packet busses from a first plurality of neighboring processing elements and output packet busses to a second plurality of neighboring processing elements. Each processing element may receive the configuration packet from one of the first plurality of neighboring elements, set its own topology configuration register according to predetermined values within the packet, and forward the packet out all of its outputs, in the same manner as a standard packet.

Abstract: A motorized biopsy needle positioner employed in a mammographic needle biopsy system receives coordinate information representative of a previously identified point of interest within a patient's captive breast under examination and automatically positions a biopsy needle in accordance with that coordinate information to permit insertion of the biopsy needle to the previously identified point of interest. An offset mode of operation of the motorized biopsy needle positioner automatically positions the biopsy needle in accordance with coordinate information representative of an offset point within the patient's breast that is offset from the previously identified point of interest to permit insertion of the biopsy needle to that offset point. A manual mode of operation of the motorized biopsy needle positioner permits the user to actuate directional keys of a user control unit to position the biopsy needle in one or more directions, as specified by the actuated directional keys.

Abstract: A precision mammographic needle biopsy system in which a patient having a suspected non-palpable lesion of the breast lies on a table having a breast aperture therein through which the patient's breast pendulantly protrudes includes a compression paddle for selectively compressing the breast against an X-ray film holder to firmly hold the breast in a suitable projection; a radially pivoting X-ray arm arranged to direct an X-ray beam in horizontal alignment with the patient's breast onto an X-ray film; a radially pivoting X-ray film holder arm supporting both the X-ray film holder and a puncture instrument holding a biopsy needle having adjustable azimuth angle, elevation angle, and insertion depth parameters; and a computer-digitizer console including a cursor and having a light box digitizer view area for viewing and digitizing a point of interest depicted in two stereoscopic X-ray images of the patient's breast, a computer for analyzing the relative positions of the point of interest depicted on the two ste